Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Reutimann Enjoys A Mixed Aaron's Dream Weekend


TALLADEGA, AL (April 26, 2009) Aaron’s, Inc. (NYSE: AAN) of Atlanta, GA hosted over one-quarter of a million race fans for the Aaron’s Dream Weekend at Talladega Superspeedway this past weekend on and off the racetrack. In addition to those that attended the three-day event, the national television and radio audience expanded Aaron’s reach as one of NASCAR’s premier event weekends on their schedule.

Sunday’s Aaron’s 499 Sprint Cup Series race, televised live on FOX television, again lived up to its reputation as one of the most exciting races. The 188-lap event was kicked off by Aaron’s Grand Marshal, University of Alabama Head Football Coach Nick Saban with the command “Gentlemen, Start your engines!” The race provided constant lead changes and four-wide action that kept fans on their feet. Brad Keselowski won the Aaron’s 499 and collected his first career Cup Series win.

David Reutimann had a solid performance in the Aaron’s 499 driving the No. 00 Aaron’s Dream Machine, but a disappointing finish. Running in the top-five and top-ten for most of the race, Reutimann was penalized for exiting the pits too fast with 40-laps to go and was relegated back to 31st position. A flat right front tire with 18 to go put the Dream Machine down one lap. Two late multi-car crashes helped advance Reutimann to finish 26th.

Saturday’s Aaron’s 312 NASCAR Nationwide Series race also provided exciting side-by-side race action. Cup regular, David Regan won the Aaron’s 312 NASCAR Nationwide race at Talladega, AL after a dramatic last lap, side-by-side battle with Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Driver of the No. 99 Aaron’s Dream Machine Michael Waltrip started 13th but had tough luck when his car was turned into the wall ending his day early in the 40th spot.

The Aaron’s weekend guests included a long list of celebrities including Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Champion Chuck Liddell and the UFC President Dana White. Also attending was radio personality Bubba The Love Sponge, soldiers and representatives from the Wounded Warrior Project and the Armed Forces Foundation, winner of the “Weekend Of Your Dreams” sweepstakes, Jack Standbury of Roanoke Rapids, NC and the “Color Your Way To Talladega” coloring contest Rachel Brown from Rustin, LA.

Aaron’s built a huge “store in a tent” outside of the track along with a stage and sound system to entertain attending fans and educate them about Aaron’s products and flexible payment options. Aaron’s collected over 13,000 names as fans registered to win the next national sweepstakes as fans filed through the tent.

Appearing at the Aaron’s corporate display are NASCAR drivers Michael Waltrip, David Reutimann, and Bill and Chase Elliott. Also appearing was the host of Aaron’s Outdoors television program Jarrod Brannon and his family, Professional WBT Angler, Janet Parker, the clogging dance sensation Southern Belles, and the Aaron’s Dream Team dance ensemble. Special appearances were radio personality Bubba The Love Sponge, country singer Johnny Lee, and Atlanta Falcon running back Jerious Norwood.

On the driver introduction stage prior to the Aaron’s 499 race, Aaron’s received a special commendation from the U.S. Army Freedom Team Salute recognizing Aaron’s nationwide involvement and support of our nations armed forces.

Aaron’s also publicly announced a three-year extension of the Aaron’s Dream Weekend race entitlements guaranteeing the Aaron’s 499 and Aaron’s 312 each year through 2013.

Aaron’s would like to thank all of our associates, the media, and speedway employees and volunteers who helped make this weekend one of the most successful Dream Weekends on record. We look forward to hosting the events again next year.

1 comment:

  1. I expected better and was really excited to see David running so well most of the race. It seems the pits are a tough place for him so far this year. But that's ok, I am sure his season will continue being successful. I look forward to the #00 being in the chase. You're my driver Beak!

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